SIDA, ILO to work together to improve Asian garment supply chain

A project to improve work in Asia garment supply chain is set to be launched in January 2019.

This project is a joint collaboration between the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and aims to focus on South-Asia, South East Asia and China, given their significant roles in international division of garment production.

Moreover, with this initiative, a special focus will be given to areas such as social dialogue and industrial relation system; advancement of gender equality; enhanced productivity and competitiveness and reduced environmental impact. It will be supported by government workers and employers organization and other private sector organizations that will be working towards a common goal.

“In many developing countries, global supply chains have created employment opportunities and have contributed to economic and social development. There is also evidence, however, that the dynamics of production in global supply chains can have a negative impact on working conditions and workers’ rights as well as environmental sustainability.” – Asa Heden, Head of Development Cooperation Regional Asia and the Pacific, Embassy of Sweden in Thailand

The ultimate goal of this step is to work towards creating an improved working condition and rights of women, men and workers. Also, this will lead the manufacturers towards improved productivity and environment sustainability. Also, the ILO mentioned that the project will contribute to better knowledge-sharing and synergies of action.

The funding for the project will be given by the Regional Development Cooperation Section of Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok and managed by the ILO regional office for Asia and the Pacific in collaboration with ILO country offices